Recent speculation has suggested Tesla is looking to start some sort of production or manufacturing in Canada, based on public lobbyist disclosures and even job listings seeking a “high volume recruiter” in the province of Quebec.
Now, according to Reuters, Canadian Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne has confirmed the country has been in talks with Tesla, but also other automakers. Champagne was asked Wednesday by reporters about Tesla potentially seeking to build a factory in the country.
“Canada is becoming the green supplier of choice to the auto industry and the aerospace industry, that’s certainly what I’m proposing,” said Champagne to reporters in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“Yes, I’m talking to them,” said the minister in response to a question about Tesla and reports of a factory being built in the country. Champagne added, “I’m talking also to all the automakers around the world.”
The Canadian government recently announced a deal with Volkswagen and Mercedes for a battery supply chain deal, while Tesla also has said it is doubling its Supercharger design team in the country.
Despite Canada and its lofty goals of seeking 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, one recent study said the country ranks second-to-last in EV readiness.
